How to Create a Resume That Stands Out For Manager Jobs

When creating a resume for manager jobs, it is essential that you do not try to use a generic template or the same resume that you would use for other jobs. There are specific tactics that should be implemented in order to make sure that your resume stands out from the crowd (in a way that is beneficial, not detrimental). If you do create an attractive resume, then what makes you think that you are going to get the interview that you want. Your resume acts as your first impression, so make sure that it is a good one. Here are some simple tips that will help you create a more effective resume that is specifically targeted to manager jobs.

1. Clearly State Your Potential Value to Company

It used to be common practice to add a paragraph before the resume that stated want you wanted out of the job. It was essentially used to state your career goals and why this job was an opportunity that you valued. Unfortunately, this does nothing to tell the company why you would be an asset to the company. Instead of opening your resume with a career objectives section, create a qualifications summary that demonstrates your value to them. Use this quick paragraph to summarize all of the skills and competencies to the company. Essentially, this section is your 30 second pitch as to why they should be interested in you. Keep in mind that a company wants to know what is in it for them, not what is in it for you. Manager jobs are very competitive and a qualifications summary can instantly tell a company why you are a better choice than everyone else.

2. Address Your Audience Directly

When looking for manager jobs, there is a good chance that you will be applying for openings in a variety of different industries. Every industry has a unique need that must be met, which means that you need to promote different skills and qualifications based upon the industry. If this means that you have to create 10 resumes, then do it. First, it shows prospective companies that you are seriously interested in the position and not just sending your resume out to everyone (even if you are). Second, it ensures that the hiring company will be able to easily focus on the skills that you have that directly apply to the position and the industry that it is in.

3. Showcase Your Value Via Specific Accomplishments

One of the biggest mistakes that most people who are applying for managers jobs will make is not showcasing their value. It has become common knowledge that you need to include specific examples of how you were a benefit to your previous employer. However, most people will state something like "I saved the company X amount of dollars". While this is a nice statement, it doesn't add to your value. Instead, you can use the same example to create value by adding a few details. For example, "I increased incoming revenue by $X or decreased annual costs by $X, which allowed the company to X. This type of statement tells the hiring company exactly what you did (increased revenue or decreased costs) and what that did to benefit the company (it allowed the company to X). The reason that this is more effective is because it shows them that you pro-actively created more money that the company could use for other things and what the company can do with it. Believe it or not, simply creating some more money doesn't inherently hold any value. It is what the company can do with the money that creates value.

There are a lot of things that you can do to make your resume more tailored for manager jobs, but these 3 tips can go a long way in improving your perceived value as an employee.